Matthew 19:22

This verse is a part of a larger passage found in Matthew 19:16-30, commonly known as the story of the rich young ruler. In this narrative, a young man approaches Jesus and asks Him what good thing he must do to gain eternal life.

Jesus responds by telling him to keep the commandments, listing some of the commandments relating to moral conduct. The young man confidently claims that he has kept all these commandments since his youth, seeking affirmation from Jesus.

However, Jesus then challenges him further, saying, “If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me” (Matthew 19:21, KJV). Here, Jesus presents the young man with a test of his devotion and willingness to put God first in his life.

Upon hearing Jesus’ response, the young man becomes sorrowful and goes away. The reason for his sorrow is revealed in Matthew 19:22, which states that he had great possessions. The young man was unwilling to let go of his wealth and material possessions, choosing them over following Jesus.

This passage highlights the issue of idolatry and the temptation of worldly riches. The young man’s possessions held a significant place in his heart, becoming an obstacle to his relationship with God. Jesus’ response was not meant to imply that everyone must sell all their possessions to follow Him but rather to reveal the young man’s attachment to material wealth.

The story serves as a reminder of the importance of priorities and the danger of allowing material possessions to consume our hearts and hinder our spiritual growth. It emphasizes the need to be willing to surrender everything for the sake of following Jesus and seeking eternal life.

Overall, Matthew 19:22 invites us to reflect on our own hearts and evaluate whether we hold anything above our commitment to God. It encourages us to prioritise our relationship with Him over worldly possessions and find true fulfilment in following Jesus.